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11mo ago

Sharp Increase in Weight-Loss Drug Use Among Teens and Young Adults

New research shows a dramatic rise in GLP-1 prescriptions for obesity and diabetes in individuals aged 12 to 25, with significant implications for treatment approaches and healthcare coverage.

Overview

  • Monthly use of GLP-1 drugs in 12- to 25-year-olds rose nearly 600% from 2020 to 2023.
  • In 2023, over 31,000 children and 162,000 young adults used these medications.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends early and aggressive treatment for childhood obesity, including medication.
  • Medicaid and commercial insurance cover a significant portion of these prescriptions, but access issues persist.
  • Long-term safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs in young people remain under scrutiny.